If you’re planning a trip to Japan, there’s a good chance Kobe beef is already on your must-try list. Famed for its rich marbling, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and exceptional quality, Kobe beef is one of the most luxurious dining experiences you can have in Japan.
But with so many restaurants claiming to serve “authentic Kobe beef,” how do you know where to go?
We’ve done the research for you. Below are some of the highest-rated and most trusted Kobe beef restaurants in Kobe City—based on real reviews, local reputation, and traveler convenience. Whether you’re looking for a premium experience or a centrally located favorite, this list will help you decide where to indulge.
⭐ 1. Kobe Beef KOJYU (神戸牛 煌寿)
One of the top-rated Kobe beef restaurants, KOJYU is known for its attentive service, elegant atmosphere, and incredible beef quality. It’s perfect for travelers looking for a refined, memorable steak experience with authentic Kobe beef—prepared right in front of you by skilled chefs.
At KOJYU, dining feels like watching a performance. Your meal is cooked on a 25mm-thick iron grill, and the chefs’ precision and technique turn every sizzle into part of the show. It’s not just delicious—it’s entertaining.
⭐ 2. Kobe Beef KISSHOKICHI (神戸牛 吉祥吉 三宮中央店)
KISSHOKICHI offers a variety of Kobe beef dishes in different formats—from steak to sukiyaki—and is well-loved for its consistent quality and reasonable prices for the grade of beef. Their central location makes them very accessible, and they’re popular among both tourists and locals.
It’s actually part of the same group as KOJYU, a luxury Kobe beef restaurant known for its refined, upscale experience. While KOJYU focuses on a high-end, fine dining atmosphere, KISSHOKICHI strikes a great balance between quality and affordability, making it a smart choice for travelers who want to enjoy real Kobe beef without going over budget.
You still get expertly prepared, beautifully marbled beef—but in a more relaxed and approachable setting. It’s a fantastic option for first-timers and families who want the real deal without all the formality.
⭐ 3. Kobe Beef Steak Ishida – Main Shop (神戸牛ステーキIshida.本店)
Ishida is frequently mentioned in travel guides and videos, and for good reason. Their main shop offers beautifully grilled A5 Kobe beef in a warm, modern setting. The service is top-notch, and the quality of meat is guaranteed to impress.
The restaurant is especially known for its premium selection—carefully chosen by the owner himself—including Kobe beef sirloin and filet, Ishida’s original hamburger steak, foie gras, and seafood like abalone steak. These are all expertly grilled by skilled chefs right in front of you, combining top-grade ingredients with lively, precise teppanyaki-style cooking.
⭐ 4. KOBE BEEF EiKiChi (神戸牛 栄吉)
EiKiChi is also part of the KISSHOKICHI group, which operates several Kobe beef restaurants across the city. Located right in the heart of Kobe’s famous Nankinmachi (Chinatown)
EiKiChi has earned a loyal following thanks to their perfectly cooked Kobe beef and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great option for those who want to enjoy premium meat in a relaxed, no-pressure setting without the formality or high price tag of a luxury steakhouse.
Whether you’re dining solo or visiting with a group, EiKiChi offers a teppanyaki-style experience that feels approachable and friendly.
⭐ 5. Kobe Beef Daichi (神戸牛 大地)
Just steps from the main entrance of Nankinmachi (Kobe’s Chinatown), Kobe Beef Daichi offers easy access and an inviting atmosphere right in the heart of the city.
Daichi is a solid choice for travelers looking to experience Kobe beef at a slightly lower price point without compromising too much on quality. The restaurant is known for its generous portions and comfortable, casual setting.
Head upstairs to the second floor, where you’ll find an elegant, richly decorated dining space. Here, guests can enjoy high-quality Kobe beef steak, cooked teppanyaki-style right in front of them—a perfect mix of performance and flavor in a relaxed yet refined environment.
Daichi is also part of the KISSHOKICHI group.
⭐ 6. Mouriya Honten (神戸牛 ステーキレストラン モーリヤ 本店)
Mouriya is one of the most established and respected Kobe beef restaurant brands in the region, with a history dating back over 140 years. With multiple locations throughout Kobe and even a branch in Kyoto, Mouriya is a favorite among both first-time visitors and returning guests for its consistent quality, professional service, and refined, traditional atmosphere.
While not the most budget-friendly option, it’s a solid and dependable choice for those who want to enjoy carefully selected beef with a trusted reputation.
In addition to official Kobe beef, Mouriya also offers its own “Mouriya Select Beef”—premium cattle raised under the same conditions as Kobe beef on Mouriya’s contracted farms, and sharing a strong lineage from purebred Tajima cattle. This beef is known for its quality and flavor that rivals Kobe beef, but comes at a more accessible price point.
Even when sourcing from outside its contracted farms, Mouriya relies on over a century of experience and strict selection standards to ensure only the most valuable cuts make it to your plate. It’s this dedication to quality and trust that keeps Mouriya at the top of many travelers’ lists.
Tips for Choosing a Kobe Beef Restaurant:
- Reservations are highly recommended—especially for the more popular spots like KOJYU or Ishida.
- Double-check the beef certification if you’re particular about trying official Kobe beef (not just “Wagyu”).
- Lunch menus often offer the same quality meat at a more affordable price compared to dinner.
- Locations near Sannomiya Station are the most convenient for travelers.
If you want to learn more about Japanese Wagyu and where the best places to eat it are, check out our most recent blog here:
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